Amrita Virtual Academy Blog
Hear moving student experiences, learn tips and tricks from field experts, deepen your knowledge and stay connected to the global AVA family!
When the Moon Reflects the Guru’s Grace
by Vaju | Jul 4, 2025 | Amrita Prasadam, Satsang, Scripture, Spiritual Practice, Swami Talks
Guru Purnima is a sacred occasion of deep reverence, a day to honor and express gratitude to the Guru—the one who dispels the darkness of ignorance and leads us toward the light of truth. Derived from Sanskrit, gu means “darkness”, and ru means “remover”; thus, the...
Retreat Your Soul – Design Your Own Weekend Retreat from the AVA Library!
by Kamala Joy | Jun 19, 2025 | Sadhana, Spiritual Practice
Time flies! It’s already June 2025. AVA is focusing on student favorite videos, and in thinking about my favorites I got an idea! Why not design a weekend retreat using material in the AVA collection?!? I couldn’t wait for my morning coffee break to look at the...
Loving Nature with Amrita Virtual Academy
by Nistula T. | Apr 16, 2025 | Amritapuri, Gardening, Nature, Spiritual Practice
I was recently blessed to stay six months in Amritapuri, India, and do seva (“selfless service”) for Amrita Virtual Academy. Even though the seva was in an office there, I realized how closely connected we are to Nature in Amritapuri, at all times. There are trees,...
Universal Motherhood: How We All Can Help Melt Suffering
by Nikita | Mar 29, 2025 | Amma, Amrita Virtual Academy
“Let us stand together and show the world that compassion, love, and concern for our fellow beings has not completely vanished from the face of this Earth. Let us build a new world of peace and harmony, deeply rooted in universal values which have nourished humanity...
Shivaratri Reflections
by Kamala Joy | Feb 23, 2025 | Sadhana, Scripture, Swami Talks
This year, Shivaratri is February 26, 2025. As part of my seva with Amrita Virtual Academy, I was part of the team building the “Celebrating Shivaratri” collection, a series of practices and talks from the AVA Membership which help still the mind and connect students...
A Journey into the Heart of Vedanta
by Kamala Joy | Jan 5, 2025 | Amrita Virtual Academy, Sadhana, Scripture
In January, Amrita Virtual Academy will start the scriptural study series Knowledge of the Truth: An Introduction to Vedanta on the text Tattvabodha with classes led by Br. Sachinmayamrita Chaitanya. I’m excited for it, partly because I’ve been able to hear a few of...